Vice President Ma’ruf Amin of Indonesia recently underscored the potential for bolstering trade relations between Indonesia and New Zealand through strategic emphasis on animal and spice products. His visit to the Taylor Preston meat processing and export facility in Ngauranga Gorge, Wellington, showcased the promising opportunities for both nations to leverage their respective strengths in halal beef, lamb, dairy products, and a rich array of spices.
Amin pinpointed the significant prospects for New Zealand and Indonesia to capitalize on these sectors. He emphasized New Zealand’s capacity for halal-certified beef and lamb production, along with derivative dairy products such as cheese and milk, as key components of the bilateral trade potential. “Apart from beef, other products (of New Zealand) with huge potential are cheese and milk. Meanwhile, (one of) our potential products are spices,” Amin stated, shedding light on the avenues for enhanced trade dynamics.
Highlighting the tangible benefits of this trade relationship, Amin noted Taylor Preston’s substantial export figures to Indonesia, which represent around 16 percent of its annual output, including 1.2 million lambs, sheep, and cows. This detail illustrates the deep-rooted trade connections and the promise for future expansion and mutual benefits.
Furthermore, Amin elaborated on Indonesia’s capacity to satisfy New Zealand’s demand for culinary spices and animal feed, underscoring the global appeal of Indonesian spices such as pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. With exports from January to November 2023 reaching 148.22 thousand tons, valued at $564.12 million, Indonesia’s spice market continues to thrive on the global stage, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
Despite thriving exchanges in specific commodities, the overall trade balance between Indonesia and New Zealand experienced an 18.82 percent reduction to $1,728 million in 2023 from $2,128.7 million in 2022. This contraction signals an opportunity for both countries to seek new trade expansion and diversification strategies.
Amin’s journey to New Zealand, spanning February 25 to March 2, 2024, transcends trade, aiming also to deepen cultural and religious ties, illustrating the comprehensive nature of the bilateral relationship. As Indonesia and New Zealand explore synergies in their trade relations, focusing on animal and spice products emerges as a fertile ground for fostering economic growth and mutual prosperity.
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